Miami says Dye will no longer be on Miami roster

CORAL GABLES, Fla. (AP) — Dyron Dye will no longer be part of the Miami football program, a decision Monday that ends the Hurricane career for the last member of the program with any real ties to the Nevin Shapiro scandal.

The university made the announcement Monday, the same day that Dye was hoping to receive clearance from doctors to resume playing. He injured his Achilles' and needed surgery after Miami's spring practice season, and it was never clear if he would be physically able to play at any point this year anyway.

That point is moot now, and Dye's days as a Hurricane are over.

"The University of Miami has informed football player Dyron Dye that he will no longer be a member of the Miami football program," the school said in a statement. "Given the totality of the circumstances and unresolved issues regarding the NCAA investigation, the University has decided to move ahead."

The decision on Dye comes with Miami still waiting for the Committee on Infractions — the group that heard the Hurricanes' case against the allegations made by the NCAA — to issue its decision on any possible additional sanctions the school may face. That decision could come at any time, especially since Miami urged the NCAA to act before this year's football season opens on Aug. 30.

"The team decided that it doesn't want Dyron to be a member because they determined he would be too much of a distraction," said Darren Heitner, Dye's attorney. "The one nice thing is that it won't affect his aid. But as far as his future playing for the University of Miami, that door's closed."

Dye met with investigators three times during the NCAA's probe of the Hurricanes, most recently in May when college sports' governing body had questions why the player said certain things during one interview with them and changed his story in a statement he gave on behalf of Aubrey Hill, a former Miami assistant coach. Hill is among the former Miami staffers who faced charges in the notice of allegations brought against the school in February.

In that statement, Dye said that in an Aug. 16, 2011 interview with the NCAA he "felt compelled to testify in a manner that would be consistent with the manner in which ... (now-retired NCAA investigator Rich) Johanningmeier was directing me in order to keep my eligibility." Dye also said that Hill did not provide travel for one of his unofficial recruiting visits to Miami, or allow him to stay at his home or eat meals there on that trip.

Part of the allegations the NCAA brought against Miami said Hill and another former assistant, Clint Hurtt, allowed Dye and two other recruits — eventual Miami player Ray-Ray Armstrong (who was dismissed from the team in 2012 over eligibility questions) and Florida player Andre Dubose — allowed the recruits to stay for at least two nights at each of their homes, and were provided at least two meals in both cases without cost.

Those allegations were strongly denied, and Dye said the NCAA "twisted his testimony to use it negatively against" Hill.

In the notice of allegations against Miami, as reviewed by The Associated Press, Dye is one of 38 Miami players and recruits who was alleged to have gotten the improper benefit of partying at the home of Shapiro, the former booster and convicted Ponzi scheme architect whose claims of wrongdoing sparked the investigation.

The NCAA also alleged that Dye received nightclub access, a strip-club trip, bowling trips and meals, all provided by Shapiro during the recruiting process.

Dye came to Miami as a defensive lineman, then switched to tight end before trying to return to the defensive line this year. He caught four passes for 48 yards and appeared in 24 games with the Hurricanes.